ICAS Sword of Excellence

Click here to view a list of past recipients of the Sword of Excellence.

Since 1981, the International Council of Air Shows Sword of Excellence has been synonymous with air show excellence. Given each year to recognize outstanding service and personal contributions to the air show industry, the Sword is widely considered to be the single highest honor an individual air show professional can receive. Over the last 30 years, 38 different Sword recipients have been honored for their leadership, service, innovation, vision, commitment and selfless contributions to the air show business.

The award was created in 1981 to recognize the highest levels of achievement in the air show business. Since then, the stature and visibility of the ICAS Sword of Excellence have increased as the list of past recipients has grown. The single common characteristic of these air show performers, event organizers, military representatives, government officials and air show industry activists is their selfless commitment to improving and contributing not just to their own air show businesses, but to the entire air show industry.

Eligibility

The ICAS Sword of Excellence Award is given in honor of outstanding overall service or personal contributions to the air show industry. Consideration may be given to exceptional, consistent and personal efforts that have made a substantial impact in the improvement, growth or recognition of the industry over a long period of time or a distinguished short term contribution of extraordinary value. The award is not limited to contributions within ICAS, but is reflective of selfless contribution to the air show industry as a whole. The recipient need not be a member of ICAS to receive the award.

Selection of a recipient for the ICAS Sword of Excellence Award will be by unanimous decision of a Selection Committee comprised of a member of the Board of Directors, two past recipients of the award, and two at-large members, each of who has at least ten years of experience in the air show business. ICAS will allow, but not require, up to two recipients for the Sword each year.

Nomination Procedure

To nominate an air show professional for the 2015 ICAS Sword of Excellence, complete and return the nomination form as soon as possible and not later than August 31, 2018. You may nominate as many individuals as you think are appropriate, including yourself. You are also permitted to anonymously nominate an air show professional. The goal of the nomination process is to ensure that all of the best prospective candidates are considered by the Selection Committee. Only the information provided on the nomination form will be considered. Other correspondence and support materials will NOT be provided to the Selection Committee members.

Art Scholl Memorial Showmanship Award

Click here to view a list of past recipients of the Art Scholl Memorial Showmanship Award.

Each year, the International Council of Air Shows presents the Art Scholl Memorial Showmanship Award to the air show act or performer which best exemplifies the qualities of showmanship demonstrated by Art Scholl.

Scholl was killed while filming a flying sequence off the coast of California on September 16, 1985. A long-time and active ICAS member, he was a renowned aerobatic pilot and consummate air show performer. He flew his Penzoil Chipmunk aircraft before an estimated audience of 80 million people over 20 years and appeared in more than 200 motion picture films, documentaries and television commercials.

His exacting, exciting and entertaining performances were a reflection of the best in our industry. He was a dedicated professional who practiced tirelessly to get the most from himself and his airplane without sacrificing safety. His unique blend of pilot skills and showmanship always left his audiences wanting more. Every aspect of his performance – his marketing support for the shows he flew in, his personal appearance, the quality and professionalism of his flying, and his personal integrity – emphasized his determination to contribute to the overall success of any show in which he took part. Throughout his career, he set the standard by which all other air show performers have since been measured.

Eligibility

Air and ground acts – including announcers – are eligible for the award. Past recipients may also be nominated. The selection of each year’s award recipient will be made by a committee comprised of a representative from the ICAS Board of Directors, two past recipients of the award, and two at-large members, each of who has at least ten years of experience in the air show business. Using the form, a member can nominate anybody – including him or herself – and may nominate more than one candidate. Nominations will also be accepted from non-members.

Selection Criteria

The Selection Committee will make its selection from among all of the nominees based on a single criterion: air show showmanship. What does the performer do and how has he structured his act to improve its entertainment value? From a showmanship perspective, how has the candidate distinguished and differentiated himself from other, more traditional air show performers? What has the candidate done to improve and increase the overall level of showmanship in the air show community? From an entertainment and showmanship perspective, does the candidate deserve to be recognized in the same context as Art Scholl and the twenty-four past recipients of this award?

Nomination Procedure

To nominate a performer or performers for the 2015 Art Scholl Showmanship Award, complete and return the nomination form as soon as possible and not later than August 31, 2018. You may nominate as many performers as you think are appropriate, including yourself. You are also permitted to anonymously nominate a performer or performers. The goal of the nomination process is to ensure that all prospective candidates are considered by the Selection Committee. Only the information provided on the nomination form will be considered. Other correspondence and support materials will NOT be provided tothe Selection Committee members.

Dick Schram Memorial Community Relations Award

A former Blue Angel, Commander Dick Schram was the U.S. Department of Defense Aviation Support Liaison Officer in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense. He had a wealth of knowledge and experience that he would share with anyone. Dick helped established shows, new shows, performers, writers and moviemakers. He did so enthusiastically and fairly. Schram died of a cerebral hemorrhage on June 29, 1987 at the age of 46. A second generation Naval officer, Dick was the son of the late Captain Dick Schram, known nationwide as the "Flying Professor" who thrilled air show audiences for more than 20 years.

The Dick Schram Memorial Community Relations Award is presented each year to the military base which in planning and implementing its air show or air event, not only exhibits traditional community relations as it considers the needs of its civilian neighbors, but sets new standards of excellence in this area by including its community in the planning, execution and rewards of the event. The selection panel for the award will be co-chaired by United States and Canadian military representatives (typically a committee of four).

Eligibility

Military base flying events, open houses and air shows are eligible for consideration for the community relations award. Consideration will be given only to properly completed applications, which include all the required submissions.

Nomination Procedure

Military bases may nominate themselves for the Schram Award using a detailed and extensive nomination application.